In the analogy “Man : machine :: Master : ____”, which option best completes the relationship of controller to controlled?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: slave

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This analogy involves a relationship of control or dominance. A man operates or controls a machine. In a similar way, a master holds power over someone in a lower position in traditional social hierarchies. The question asks which option corresponds to the subordinate position paired with “master” in the same way that “machine” corresponds to “man.”


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • First pair: Man and machine.
  • Second pair: Master and an unknown term.
  • Options: slave, worker, manager, house, apprentice.
  • We consider the classical meaning of master in relation to those under authority.


Concept / Approach:
The relation “Man : machine” is usually that a man controls, directs, or uses a machine. “Master : slave” expresses a stronger historical relationship where the master has authority and control over the slave. In analogy questions, this pairing is a standard example of the controller controlled or superior subordinate relation. Among the options, slave is the direct counterpart to master in this sense.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Examine the first pair. A man operates a machine, and the machine is under his control. Step 2: Identify the type of relationship as “controller to controlled object or subordinate.” Step 3: Look at the term master. Historically, a master is a person who has authority over someone else. Step 4: Among the options, slave is the person under the complete control of the master. Step 5: Conclude that “master : slave” mirrors “man : machine” as dominant to subordinate or controller to controlled.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check the alternatives. Worker is a person who may work under a manager or employer but the direct pair is usually employer worker or boss worker, not master worker. Manager is itself a superior, not a subordinate. House is an object, not a person under authority, and does not pair naturally with master in this sense. Apprentice is under guidance but not under ownership or complete control the way a slave is. Therefore, only slave produces the strong, traditional counterpart to master.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Worker is a subordinate but does not form a fixed, classic pairing with master. Manager is in a higher role rather than lower. House is a possession, which would make the relation master house more like owner property, not superior subordinate. Apprentice implies a learner mentor relationship, not a control relation equivalent to master slave. Only slave directly matches the well known master slave pair found in many analogy examples.


Common Pitfalls:
Some test takers may avoid selecting slave due to discomfort with the historical context, and instead choose worker or apprentice because they sound milder. However, analogy questions often use standard word pairs without endorsing the practice behind them. It is important to focus on the logical relationship and fixed expressions rather than personal reactions in order to arrive at the correct answer.


Final Answer:
The correct completion is that master is to slave as man is to machine.

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